PIO with Mumbai roots eyes NJ seat

Jay Vaingankar, 28, a former White House and Department of Energy official, is seeking to become New Jersey’s first Gen Z and first Indian-American member of Congress. Contesting the Democratic primary for the state’s 12th Congressional District, Jay, the son of immigrants from Mumbai, aims to succeed retiring Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman.

Vaingankar has centred his campaign on affordability, clean energy and political reform. He said voters are frustrated by political stagnation and want a younger, more diverse generation of leaders. With 12 candidates in the fray, Vaingankar said the race remains unpredictable, with vote splitting likely.

A former Biden administration official with ties to New Jersey’s Indian-American community, Vaingankar advocates green technology to reduce utility costs and create jobs. He also supports a strong, values-based relationship between Washington and New Delhi. He said momentum is gro­wing for younger and more diverse representation.